After being in practice a number of years and taking extensive histories of hundreds of patients, I began to see how even people who considered themselves in "perfect health" did have many "little" problems they felt were too insignificant to mention to the doctor. A state of perfect health is far from just not being sick. It is a state where all organs, glands, tissues, and cells, are working optimally and in harmony with each other.

Many conditions such as not having enough energy, getting cold easily, becoming irritable, craving sweets, having a lot of gas, allergies, etc., are all signs of body dysfunction. These so called sub clinical problems may not be detected during normal laboratory testing and physical examinations, but they do point to malfunctioning of our body. As a health practitioner, I feel it is my job not only to recognize and treat obvious disease states, but to recognize the "smaller problems", find out their cause, treat them, and educate each individual as to their status and what steps they must take to either maintain or restore themselves to a state of optimum health.

It is not just chance that one person contracts a disease and another person under the same conditions does not. Optimally functioning systems of immunity, circulation , endocrinology, central and peripheral nerves, digestion, excretion etc., are necessary for the body to resist, fight off, destroy, and control disease causing agents before they can take control and cause bodily ills. Many of the aforementioned "smaller problems" are signs and forerunners of chronic diseases that may surface later in life (diabetes, arthritis, etc.) if we do not take responsibility for our health now. God has given us many health building agents - pure air, sunshine, fresh water, exercise, wholesome foods, rest, etc., which should be utilized in our daily lives.

This book’s goal is to teach the lay person a little anatomy and physiology concerning each organ and endocrine gland. It may seem technical at first, but as you read on and study, your understanding will increase. We will be discussing symptoms of dysfunction (usually the first signs that come when the organ or gland starts to malfunction) that we have found often in our practice. This list is not exhaustive but will help you to pinpoint what is happening in your body. We will give the most probable causes we have found to bring on these symptoms. Whenever possible, simple tests you can perform at home to help you pinpoint more closely your problem will be given. With each organ and gland, preventative measures will be listed that will keep them healthy, and also restorative treatments to help the body strengthen the dysfunctioning part will be brought forth. The professional will also benefit and be able to instruct his or her patients as to programs they can pursue at home to aid in the healing process.

Most dysfunctions we have come across involve more than one organ or gland and we have tried to bring forth the multiple and complex interrelationships that exist as best as they are now understood.

This book does not promote any drugs or medications though some are discussed. It is the author’s opinion that, many health problems if recognized early and if the person is motivated to make lifestyle changes can be treated without medication. Any problem that persists should be checked out by a physician, preferably one trained in determining and eliminating the cause of the problem. Too often today we just cover up the problem with painkillers and other medications, etc., instead of looking for what is causing the problem. We must take responsibility for our body if we wish to reach a state of optimum health. Ways to do this will be discussed throughout the book.

Back at the turn of the century a woman by the name of Ellen G. White said:

"Physical life cannot be treated in a haphazard manner. Awaken to your responsibilities" (Healthful Living page 14).

"Too little attention is generally given to the preservation of health. It is far better to prevent disease than to know how to treat it when contracted. It is the duty of every person, for his own sake, and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself in regard to the laws of life and consciously to obey them. All need to become acquainted with that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body. They should understand the functions of the various organs and the dependence of one upon another for the healthy action of all. They should study the influence of the mind upon the body, and of the body upon the mind, and the laws by which they are governed (Ministry of Healing page 128).